'Killer Instinct' returns as free-to-play brawler

Jun. 12, 2013
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A scene from 'Killer Instinct.' / Microsoft

by Brett Molina, USA TODAY

by Brett Molina, USA TODAY

If you consider yourself a veteran of the fighting game genre, then the name Killer Instinct should bring back fond memories.

From the cyborg Fulgore and his uppercut to characters such as Cinder and Sabrewulf, the brawler featured a simpler style of fighting compared to stalwarts Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, and boasted an announcer shouting memorable phases such as "ultra combo!"

Now, Killer Instinct is back for Microsoft's Xbox One, but its approach is very different from its heyday.

For starters, the game is a free-to-play download. When players get the game, they will receive one character, Jago. Additional characters will be available individually or as part of packs for a fee.

As for the demo featured at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, two fighters were featured: Jago and Sabrewulf. Since arcade fighting sticks were used, it's hard to tell how the Xbox One controller feels when manning a brawler.

But the combat felt strong. Combos seem pretty simple to execute. There were a couple occasions where I could pull off 10-hit combos with little effort. Of course, in the world of Killer Instinct, that's nothing compared to the 20+ hit combinations players could deliver.

Developers would not say how many characters will be available, or how pricing will work. It's an interesting concept, but will only succeed based on the value of these fighter packs or individual characters.